Research on anxiety and how to ease it. Covers cognitive-behavior programs, virtual reality, stress-response cells, and health-related worry.
A University of Minnesota researcher discovered that negative stereotyping can cause consumers to avoid purchases, fearing being duped. Introducing calming scents like vanilla into the transaction environment can mitigate this effect and improve purchasing intentions.
A UC Irvine study reveals that activities like physical activity, nutrition, relationships, fun, and spirituality can significantly improve mental health. The study found that these therapeutic lifestyle changes can offer advantages over medications, including fewer side effects and complications.
Lifestyle changes such as exercise and spending time in nature can be as effective as medication to treat depression and anxiety. Therapeutic lifestyle changes also promote cognitive function, overall well-being, and social skills, while reducing stress and promoting joy.
A new study found that Latino siblings of children with developmental disabilities experience anxiety, lower school performance, and struggle with expressing emotions due to cultural factors. These siblings are also at a higher risk for negative outcomes, including internalizing behaviors and difficulties in personal functioning.
A new study found that guitar players desire replicas of instruments to tap into the perceived magic of their favorite rock stars. These fetishes provide confidence and reduce anxiety, leading to improved performance.
A new study reveals that women avoid transactions with male service providers in STEM situations due to fear of stereotypes about their math and science abilities. Female consumers express lower intentions to purchase from firms advertising male service providers.
Two neural pathways have been identified in the brain that play a role in developing phobias and anxiety disorders. The study found that individuals with overactive amygdalas and those who fail to activate their ventral prefrontal cortex are more prone to fear responses.
A study published in Neuron reveals that individual differences in amygdala and ventromedial prefrontal cortex function are independently associated with anxiety vulnerability. High trait anxiety individuals show enhanced amygdala response and faster fear acquisition, while vmPFC recruitment is linked to reduced fear responses in fear-...
A two-year longitudinal study of Singapore youths found approximately 9% of gamers to be pathological players, associated with depression, anxiety, and social phobias. The study concludes that video game addiction is a serious behavioral problem separate from other afflictions.
A University of Chicago study found that writing about worries immediately before an exam can ease anxiety and boost test scores. Researchers discovered that students who wrote about their anxieties showed significant improvements in math accuracy compared to those who didn't write, even among those with high test anxiety.
A study found that women with false-positive mammograms reported significant anxiety and reduced quality of life, particularly if they were prone to anxiety. The effects lasted at least a year, with more diagnostic procedures required for a final diagnosis.
Implementing a computerized radiology workflow with customer service representatives leads to faster report delivery, reduced anxiety for patients, and increased productivity for radiologists. The study's findings support the cost-benefits of adding these representatives to alleviate administrative burdens.
Patients receiving mechanical ventilation may benefit from listening to music, which can relax them and reduce anxiety, heart rate, and breathing rate. The review of eight trials involving 213 patients found that music listening may be a promising stress management tool for critically ill patients.
A study presented at the Radiological Society of North America annual meeting found that diagnosis uncertainty can be as stressful as knowing a serious illness, with breast biopsy patients reporting significantly higher anxiety levels. Healthcare providers can alleviate patient stress by improving communication and shaping expectations.
During economic recessions, anxiety affects job satisfaction and engagement, leading to negative impacts on companies. A model has been formulated to help managers identify and address employee anxiety, implementing actions that improve job satisfaction and organizational commitment.
Children with severe congenital heart defects are twice as likely to experience anxiety at 18 months old compared to healthy peers. The research, conducted by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, also found that maternal anxiety and depression contribute to these emotional problems.
Addex Pharmaceuticals highlights the power of its allosteric modulation technology platform, presenting data on nine therapeutic programs across various receptor types and therapeutic areas. The company's technology is allowing it to bring a new kind of chemistry to industrial drug discovery efforts, improving productivity in pharmaceu...
Yoga has a positive effect on mood and anxiety due to increased GABA levels, according to a study. Higher GABA activity is associated with improved mood and decreased anxiety, suggesting a new link between yoga and its benefits.
Research from Tel Aviv University finds that stress and anxiety are major contributors to IVF-related depression. Hormone therapy plays a lesser role in inducing depression during IVF treatment.
A new study from USC Marshall School of Business suggests that brand attachment has a stronger impact on consumers than previously believed. Consumers' emotional bonds with brands can lead to sacrifices in time, money, energy, and reputation to maintain the connection.
Research suggests that patients with high anxiety sensitivity, who are frightened by bodily sensations and symptoms associated with anxiety, may experience improved cardiac outcomes when treated with rhythm control strategy. This approach appears to be important for these patients, particularly those with congestive heart failure.
Researchers found that smokers with anxiety disorders were less likely to quit smoking, even when using nicotine lozenges and patches. Anxiety diagnoses were common among study participants, with over a third meeting criteria for at least one anxiety diagnosis.
A study of 35,539 surgical patients found that those with psychiatric illnesses, especially anxiety and depression, have a higher risk of death within 30 days of surgery. The researchers suggest that greater care should be taken among patients with psychiatric illnesses who are undergoing surgery.
A study by Prof. David Eilam and his team found that group members display the same level of anxiety when exposed to a common threat, regardless of individual differences. This result has implications for helping clinicians better treat victims of trauma or terror, such as in the case of the 9/11 attacks.
A study of 58 caregivers found that a lack of understanding and help from friends and relatives is the biggest cause of stress. Caregivers reported signs of anxiety and depression due to common problems such as criticism, social isolation, and difficulty sustaining themselves and their families.
Adults with congenital heart disease are more likely to suffer from heart-focused anxiety if their parents were overprotective during childhood and adolescence. Health professionals can encourage greater independence for adolescents and adults with congenital heart disease to improve psychosocial adjustment.
A CU-Boulder study found that neural inhibition plays a crucial role in decision-making, particularly for people with anxiety disorders. The research suggests that increasing neural inhibition could help improve treatment options for individuals struggling with decision paralysis.
A 12-year study of 14,000 Canadians found that using medications for insomnia or anxiety increased mortality risk by 36%. The study controlled for personal factors, suggesting a link between medication use and increased risk of death due to falls and other accidents, as well as respiratory problems.
Researchers found that psilocybin improved mood and reduced anxiety in advanced-stage cancer patients, with benefits lasting up to six months. The study provides new hope for alleviating psychiatric symptoms in patients who often do not respond well to conventional treatments.
A pilot study suggests psilocybin, a hallucinogen, is safe and effective in improving mood and reducing anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. The treatment resulted in improved anxiety scores and a depression inventory revealed an improvement of mood that began two weeks after treatment.
Researchers analyzed text messages sent on September 11, 2001 to track emotional reactions. They found spiking anxiety in the morning and increasing anger throughout the day. The study suggests that anger dominated immediate reactions, which may explain consequences of the attacks.
A study in rural Bangladesh found that women with depression and anxiety during pregnancy gave birth to smaller babies, which are more likely to die in infancy. The research highlights the importance of mental health support services to reduce child mortality in developing countries.
A new study suggests that mothers in violent or controlling relationships may face a decline in mental health even after leaving the relationship. Women who had more social support from friends and family showed improved mental health outcomes compared to those with less support.
A new study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that yoga practice is associated with increased GABA levels and decreased anxiety. The research suggests that yoga may be a potential therapy for certain mental disorders, warranting further study.
A recent study published in Archives of Dermatology found that individuals with psoriasis are at a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and suicidality. The study estimated that there are over 10,400 cases of depression, 7,100 cases of anxiety, and 350 cases of suicidality related to psoriasis each year.
A new study led by Ned H. Kalin of the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health found that increased brain activity in the amygdala and anterior hippocampus can predict anxious temperament in young primates. This discovery may lead to new strategies for early detection and treatment of at-risk children.
A survey in the Central African Republic found that over three-quarters of adults experienced traumatic events, leading to high rates of depression and anxiety. The study's findings highlight the urgent need for aid programs and security sector reforms to protect civilians.
Researchers found that anxious conditions cause participants to become more engaged in their ideals and extreme in their religious convictions. The findings suggest that bold but vulnerable people gravitate to idealistic and religious extremes for relief from anxiety.
Research finds that anxiety disorders in heart patients are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events and death. A study of 1,015 outpatients with stable coronary heart disease found that those with generalized anxiety disorder had a 74% increased risk of cardiovascular events.
A study found that anger is the dominant emotion driving the 'rally 'round the flag effect', where Americans surge support for their president during war or conflict. The study showed that anger, not anxiety, triggers and feeds this phenomenon, regardless of initial political leanings.
A meta-analysis of 34 studies involving 3962 patients found that brief cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), counseling, and problem-solving therapy (PST) were equally effective in treating depression and mixed anxiety. The study suggests that brief psychological therapies can be an effective treatment for routine delivery in primary care.
Researchers at the University of Granada identified different effects of nervous disposition and anxious moments on attention processes. The study found that high trait anxiety values resulted in deficient attentional performance, while high state anxiety led to overfunctioning of alerting and orienting networks.
A recent study by Michigan physicians found that specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms can alleviate or eliminate post-concussive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment targets vertical heterophoria, a binocular vision condition causing headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms.
Mycobacterium vaccae has been shown to increase serotonin levels and decrease anxiety in mice, leading to improved learning behavior. The temporary effects suggest a potential role for the bacteria in anxiety and learning in mammals.
A survey of patients who underwent day surgery found that 85% experienced anxiety after receiving general anesthesia, with the top concerns including dying while asleep, not waking up, and waking up during surgery.
A new study of 9/11 survivors and victims' family members found that on-site psychiatrists can alleviate early trauma symptoms and reduce PTSD. Psychiatrists provided immediate aid to 848 patients in just over two months, with the most common symptoms including sleeplessness, anxiety, and depression.
A flexible treatment intervention that combines cognitive behavior therapy, medication, and computer-assisted support significantly improved anxiety symptoms and functional disability in patients with common anxiety disorders. The study found a 63.66% response rate and 51.49% remission rate compared to usual care.
A study at National Jewish Health found that art therapy significantly improves problem-solving, communication, quality-of-life, anxiety, and self-concept scores in children with chronic asthma. The benefits persisted for six months after treatment stopped, suggesting art therapy as a valuable adjunct to traditional treatments.
Patients who receive audiotapes of their pre-surgery consultations exhibit higher knowledge scores, greater sense of control, and lower levels of anxiety and depression. The audiotaped recordings facilitate patients' recall of information and satisfaction levels, particularly among elderly patients.
A recent study suggests that indoor tanning facilities may be associated with addiction-like behavior, including anxiety symptoms and increased substance use. The research found that individuals who frequently tan indoors were more likely to meet criteria for tanning addiction and report symptoms of anxiety.
Scientists at University of Western Ontario discovered a biological link between stress, anxiety, and depression by identifying the connecting mechanism in the brain. A small molecule inhibitor was developed to selectively target depression and treat it more effectively.
Research from UCLA shows that children of combat-deployed parents are more likely to develop anxiety and exhibit behavioral changes, such as acting out or disruptions in school. The study suggests that the number and length of deployments have a cumulative impact on family members.
A Saint Louis University doctor found no evidence supporting the use of natural treatments like St. John's wort for anxiety, instead recommending selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) as a safe and effective first-line treatment option.
Mental health providers should prescribe exercise more often to treat depression and anxiety. Researchers found that regular exercise reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, stress, and anger. Exercise can fill the gap for those who can't access traditional therapies due to cost or stigma.
A study by Annette J. Johnson, MD, MS, found that direct patient access to imaging test results could increase anxiety and workload for physicians. Radiologists and referring physicians agreed on potential benefits, but also raised concerns about patients' ability to understand written reports and the impact on physician time.
A small study found that acupuncture reduces anxiety in highly anxious dental patients, enabling them to receive necessary treatments. Researchers assessed 20 patients using the Back Anxiety Inventory before and after five minutes of acupuncture treatment, resulting in a significant decrease in BAI scores.
A new study found that regular family mealtimes can help reduce separation anxiety and improve lung function in children with asthma. The researchers identified supportive interaction during mealtime as a key practice that increases a child's sense of security.
A randomized trial found that massage eased anxiety symptoms, similar to psychotherapy or medications, but not more effective than simple relaxation. The benefits of massage may be due to a generalized relaxation response.
A new questionnaire and outcomes measurement scale, CUXOS, has been developed to measure anxiety outcomes reliably. The scale is brief, easy to score, and correlates highly with clinician severity ratings.
Families with food-allergic children face a life of constant vigilance and fear. Dr. Mary Klinnert's research aims to understand coping strategies and develop tools to support families.